Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Ministry of Education
Reading-Writing Textbook 6
Advisor
Dr. Tongyoo Kaewsaiha Director-General, Office of the Non-Formal and Informal Education
Dr. Kla Somtrakul Deputy Director-General, Office of the Non-Formal and Informal-
Education
Subject Committee
ISBN 974-01-0943-8
Copyright First Edition B.E. 2541
Printed by Office of the Non-Formal and Informal Education 5,000 Copies
Ministry of Education Distributed by Business
Organization of the Office of the
Welfare Promotion Commission for
Teachers and educational Personnel
Introduction
The Reading-Writing Textbook 6 has been developed in accordance with English curriculum of
B.E.2540, the Essence of English for Quality of Life Improvement, English for Language Skill
Development Subject. Office of the Non-Formal and Informal Education has developed the English
teaching method that is suitable for current situations by focusing on the development of the learner’s
capabilities to use English to communicate in various circumstances. Learners who wish to seek for the
knowledge in reading and writing are able to study from this textbook.
The Office of the Non-Formal and Informal Education would like to thank the author and related
parties who are involved in a successful arrangement of this textbook.
Page
Instructions for the use of this textbook 1
Pre / post-test 4
Course structure 7
Chapter 1 Some Articles about Education and Economy 8
Chapter 2 Sports 17
Chapter 3 Amazing Thailand 42
Chapter 4 Short Stories and Some Articles 72
Chapter 5 Writing 108
Answer keys for Pre / post-test 123
Answer keys for activities 123
Instructions for the Use of This Textbook
Reading - Writing Textbook 6 consists of five sections with exercises and answer keys.
Reading – Writing Textbook 6 is written to let the learner study and practice both reading and
writing skills as a tool to further seek for knowledge and to improve the quality of life. The book consists
of a number of reading-writing exercises that are sufficient for the learners to practice their reading and
writing skills based on the knowledge and understanding of vocabularies and grammars that learners have,
so the learners will be able to utilize these understanding in reading and writing.
In studying the textbook, the learner is recommended to follow the procedures below:
1. Doing the pre-test.
2. Studying the content in each section and completing the activities as assigned.
3. Checking the answer keys after completing each activity.
4. Doing the post-test.
In doing the assignment, the learner should carefully read the instruction before commencing it.
Since the content of the articles provided in this textbook might vary, it is not necessary for the learner to
understand the whole part of the article to answer the question. Sometimes the learner will have to reread
some details in the article to find a specific answer if required. However, if the learner wishes to read for
enjoyment, a skim reading for the gist of the article seems sufficient.
1
In writing, the learner will be recommended to practice according to the guideline provided in this
book. The learner will write the sentence according to the grammars and may add his or her own idea if
appropriate.
The learner should time at least once a week studying the Reading – Writing Textbook and should
practice both reading and writing at the same time in order to utilize the knowledge on vocabularies,
sentence structures, as well as ideas derived from the article read to practice writing. During free time, the
learner is recommended to regularly read English newspaper, articles, short stories, or novels in order to
improve reading and writing skills.
Using a Dictionary
The learner is recommended to use both English-Thai dictionary and English-English dictionary.
However, the leaner does not have to look for the meaning of every single word, but instead the learner
should look for the meaning from grammatical structures, punctuations, as well as words and phrases
nearby. Some of the terminologies have been translated herein as a guideline for a better understanding.
Evaluation
Before studying the content of each textbook, the learner should do a pre-test in order to check
what extent or what level of background knowledge in both vocabularies and contents of the subject the
learner possesses. After doing the test, the learner is suggested to check the answer from the answer keys,
and then compares with the post-test results after having finished studying the subject.
2
Using the Answer Key
The answer key for each section is provided, section by section, at the end of the textbook. The
learner should check with the answer key every time after completing the exercise. Additional
explanations are also provided in some parts to further clarify the answer key.
We wish the learner success in studying and have your wish fulfilled.
3
Pre / post-test
Before studying the textbook, the learner is recommended to take the pre-test and check the test
result with the answer key. Then after having finished studying the book, the learner should take the test
again to see how the leaner improves himself / herself.
A. Match the meanings in Columns A and B by inserting the appropriate letter from Column B in
the blank space in Column A.
A B
4
B. Read the following sentences carefully and answer the questions.
1. It was in 1932 when Thailand became a constitutional monarchy that education was perceived as an
essential means for the progress and preservation of a democratic society and for national
development.
What happened in 1932?
a. Thailand declared war.
b. Thailand became a constitutional monarchy.
c. Thailand began thinking of democracy.
2. Thailand’s athlete, Sunisa Pechpongprai, a 21 - years - old from Omkoy, Chiang Mai, won a silver
for the Kingdom in the torghest event of SEA Games track and field competition, the marathon
yesterday.
What does “the Kingdom” refer to?
a. Chiang Mai
b. Omkoy
c. Thailand
3. A motor trip from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi is now a comfortable one hour and a half’s drive, over
a new dual highway.
a. A journey by boat.
b. A journey by car.
c. A journey by train.
4. The knowledge and art of traditional therapy, once the main cure among Thais, may soon be lost
along with aging practitioners, it is feared.
What does the “main cure” refer to?
a. traditional.
b. aging practitioner.
c. the knowledge and art.
5
5. The major problem for farming in rural areas all over the country, especially in the northeastern
region, is an insufficient supply of water for farming.
What part of a country is the “rural area” ?
a. big cities.
b. the capital.
c. Small villages up country.
6
Course Structure
Essence
To effectively improve reading-writing skills, the learner must practice by reading articles, short
stories, as well as editorials published in newspapers and journals that relate to academic matter,
entertainment, and other knowledge, particularly the knowledge that associates with Thailand and Thai
cultures in order to let the learner deeply and extensively attain knowledge on English vocabularies,
idioms, and sentences. As a result, the learner will then be able to effectively express his or her opinion in
written language.
Objectives
Scope of Content
7
Chapter 1
Some Articles about Education and Economy
Essence
In order to read statistical figures, graphs, as well as other information and fully interpret that
information, the learner must be trained to read and able to use terminologies.
Objective
1. Be able to read and understand the content that relates to educational development in Thailand,
and be able to answer the associated questions.
2. Be able to read and understand Thai illiterate population, and be able to answer the associated
questions.
3. Be able to read and understand the number of students who completed primary education and
do not continue their studies, and be able to answer the associated questions.
4. Be able to read and understand the comparison between the number of adult learners enrolled
in continuing education, and be able to answer the associated questions.
5. Be able to read and understand the statistics of intra-Asean export, and be able to answer the
associated questions.
6. Be able to answer the question that relates to the article.
8
Scope of Content
9
Topic 1 : Summary of Educational Development
*It was in 1932 when Thailand became a constitutional monarchy that education was
perceived as an essential means for the progress and preservation of a democratic society and for
national development. It has indeed been regarded as one of the important tasks of the government.
Consequently, the following year, the first National Education Scheme was formulated to set
directions for education development. Then, a few more schemes were revised and put into use in
1936, 1960. 1966 and 1977 respectively and the latest one being implemented is that of 1992. The
present scheme, emphasizing education for survival, stability and mutual happiness, aimed at building
development of people’s awareness of following 4 principle growths and balances so as to produce
qualified citizens who can live a helpful life in their society.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
* Department of Non-Formal Education 1995
Ministry of Education Thailand
10
Exercise : Match the words in A with the meanings in B.
A B
11
Topic 2 : Thai Illiterate Population
Activity 3 : Read the following statistic on Thai illiterate population. Answer the questions.
The figure below illustrates the number of Thai illiterate population during the years 1937-1990.
Read the information below and answer the question.
Questions
1. In 1990, what percentage of Thai male illiterate was ?
The percentage of Thai male illiterate in 1990 was ……………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
2. In 1937, what percentage of Thai female illiterate was?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
3. Was the percentage of male illiterate more than that of female illiterate in 1980?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
4. Was the percentage of female illiterate more than that of male illiterate in 1970?
5. What was the illiterate population aged in 1990?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
12
Topic 3 : Number of Students
The table below shows the number of students who completed primary education and did not
continue their studies in 1994. The data is classified into males and females.
Read the information below and answer the question.
*Information on number of students who completed primary education and do not continue their
studies year 1994
No of Students Completed No of Students do not
Percentage
Location Primary education Continue Students
Male Female Total Male Female Total Male Female Total
Regional 459,497 445,372 904,869 100,960 91,946 192,906 20.60 19.56 20.08
Areas
Bangkok 4,225 3,681 7,906 50 34 84 1.18 0.92 1.06
Metropolis
Total 463,722 449,053 912,775 101,010 91,980 192,990 21.78 20.48 21.14
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Exercise : Complete the following sentences using information from the table.
1. The number of male students who completed primary education in 1994 in regional areas was
……………………………………………………………………. .
2. The number of female students who did not continue studies in 1994 in Bangkok Metropolis was
……………………………………………………………. .
3. The percentage of male students who did not continue studies was …………………………… .
4. The percentage of total students who did not continue studies was ……………………………. .
5. The total number of students in 1994 all over the country was …………………………………. .
The graph below provides a comparison between the number of adult learners enrolled in
continuing education during the fiscal years 1988-1992, classified by educational types.
14
_____________________________________________________________________________________
*Department of Non-Formal Education 1995
Ministry of Education Thailand
15
Topic 5 : Intra-Asean Export
____________________________________________________________________________________
Source : Asean Secretariat POST graphics
Exercise : Say which is T (true) or F (False) according to what you have read.
……….. 1. “Intra-Asean export” means the goods which is traded among Asean members.
……….. 2. The main export among Asean members in 1996 was chemicals.
……….. 3. The main export among Asean members in 1995 was machinery.
……….. 4. Plastic was one of the exports in 1996.
……….. 5. Goods, exported among Asean members in 1996, were classified into 5 categories.
16
Chapter 2
Sports
Essence
Vocabularies, idioms, and sentences used in sport contexts are different depending on the type of
sport itself. To use them correctly, the learner will have to practice by reading various articles or contents.
1. Read and understand the content that relates to sports, and be able to answer the associated
questions.
2. Understand sports terminologies, idioms, and specific sentences and be able to make use of the
knowledge.
3. Answer the question associated with the contents.
Scope of Content
17
Knowledge Sheet
In English, the term “sports” might refer to general sports and the term “games” might refer to a
classified type of sport such as a football game, the Asian Games, and the Olympic Games.
Sports vocabulary
the competition - the activity or condition of striving to gain or win something by
defeating or establishing superiority over others
to compete (v.)
the athletics - the sport of competing in track and field events, including
running races and various competitions in jumping and
throwing.
an athlete (n.)
the race - a competition to see which is the fastest in covering a set course
such as a marathon and a horse racing
the event (happening) - each competition; for example, it was her first event in the SEA
Games
a match - a contest in which people or teams compete against each
other such as a football match
a track - a prepared course or circuit for athletes; sometimes refers to a
race itself
18
Topic 1 : Thai Sports
A. Look at the pictures below. They are some traditional Thai children’s games. Choose the name
of the game that matches with each picture.
1. 2.
………………………………………….. …………………………………………..
3. 4.
………………………………………….. …………………………………………..
19
Traditional Thai children games
a. Banana stem horse is still popular in rural areas, in which the stem cut from a banana plant is
shaped to become a hobby horse.
b. Rope jumping, a variation of one popular around the world. Children compete to see who can skip
longest, without tripping.
c. Snake eats tail. One child becomes “mother snake”, another “father snake”. All the others hold on
behind “mother”, who runs and weaves to protect them, while “father” tries to snatch them from the
line.
d. Relay wheel race. Traditional Thai game for two teams of children, each racing with a circular
bamboo hoop, KRADONG, by hitting the edge with a stick. The winner is the team which finishes
first without their hoop falling over.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
* The pictures and explanation above have been taken from Thai Airways International Public
Company Limited. – the author would like to thank the company herein.
B. Read the “Traditional Thai children games” again. Answer the questions.
1. * Thai Boxing
Thai Boxing was developed as a form of self-defence during the Ayutthaya period
(1350-1767). Boxers are forbidden to wrestle or bite. However, they may kick, shove or push and
unreservedly use bare feet, legs, elbows and shoulders, besides fists, to batter each other into
submission. Thai boxing is featured throughout the week at Bangkok’s Ratchadamneon Stadium
(Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday) and Lumpini Stadium (Tuesday, Friday and Saturday)
_____________________________________________________________________________________
* Tourism Authority of Thailand “Exotic Thailand Travel Guide”
Exercise :
A. Match the words in A with the meaning in B.
A B
21
B. Complete the following sentences.
In Thailand, we can see kite fighting during Hot Season months, particularly March and April.
The kite is more than a popular children’s plaything. Dating back to the 13th century, kite fighting is
a true sport, one recognized by the Thai Sports Association which has counted Kings among the
participants. Some of the best displays in Bangkok can be seen at the Pramane Ground against
a spectacular backdrop of the Royal Palace and Emerald Buddha Temple. The two types of fighting kite
represent the age-old tussle between male and female. The seven-foot-long “chula”, or male kite, is
seven times the length of its female opponent, “the pakpao”, Soaring and spinning high in the sky, each
seeks to cause the downfall of the other : the male by sheer size, the female by speed and greater agility.
22
Exercise
A. Match the words in A. with the meaning in B.
A B
Activity 10 : Read the “Athletics Asian Marathon Championships” below. Do the exercise.
A B
24
*ATHLETICS ASIAN MARATHON CHAMPIONSHIPS
World champ Suzuki among stars expected in Ayutthaya
PREECHACHAN WIRIYANUPAPPONG
The Nation
WORLD women’s marathon champion Hiromi Suzuki is expected to run in the Asian Marathon
Championships to be held in Ayutthaya on Feb 8, 98.
Pol Col Siroj Pianskool, the technical committee chairman of the Amateur Athletics Association
of Thailand (AAAT) and competition director of the championships, said yesterday that well-known
Asian marathon runners including Japanese world champion Suzuki, who dethroned defending
champion Portuguese Manuel Machado at the Athens-hosted World Athletics Championships last
August, are expected to vie for the top honours of the events, which is to take place in Ayutthaya on
Feb 8.
“After Indonesia hosted the last Asian Marathon Championships some five or six years ago, no
country showed any further interest in the event,” Siroj said.
“With the Kingdom about to host the Asian Games from Dec 6 to 20, the International Amateur
Athletics Federation (IAAF) also approved Thailand as hosts of the sixth edition of the event.”
“The organization of the competition will help the AAAT to test the Thai runners in preparation
for the Asian Games while Ayutthaya should prove a very suitable location for the event.”
“Apart from showing visitors to the championships the area’s beautiful scenery and historical
tourist attractions, it will help promote the “Amazing Thailand” campaign. Seeing the benefit of
hosting the competition, the provincial sports committee members displayed a very serious
determination to host the 42,195 km marathon event,” he added.
According to the AAAT vice-president, the championships will also serve as a pre-Asian Games
tune-up for the leading long distance runners of Asia who will have their endurance tested before Asian
Games competition. The 29-year-old Japanese runner, Suzuki, is the favourite to win the women’s
event. She made a great success of her third marathon at the World Championships in Athens by
dethroning defending champion Manuel Machado of Portugal in a winning time of 2hr 29.48sec.
*The Nation
25
“Thailand are to field four runners. They will include the top duo of Jirattikarn Boonma, third-
place finisher at last year’s Bangkok Marathon, and Jakarta SEA Games silver medallist Sunisa
Petchpongprai. The remaining two runners will be announced shortly.” Siroj said.
“Our runners are unlikely to figure in in the top three finishers. This is because all the
participating countries will be fielding their best hopes for the Asian Games as the championship
course is the same as that for the Asiad.”
“I think Suzuki will win the women’s crown, while Korean, Taiwanese and Chinese runners are
likely to battle it out for the men’s title. Nevertheless, our runners could finish among the top six,” he
added.
The 42.195 km championships, jointly promoted by the AAAT, Ayutthaya, the Asian Amateur
Athletics Federation (AAAF) and the Veerada Group, will take place on Feb 8 from in front of Wat
Phrasi Sanpetch in Ayutthaya.
26
Activity 12 : Read the following passage. Do the exercise.
*MARATHON
Great effort by Sunisa
as she battles for silver
Heat gets to her
in grueling race
Edward Thangarajah
Jakarta
Thailand’s Sunisa Pechpongprai, a 21-years-old from Omkoy, Chiang Mai, won a silver
for the Kingdom in the toughest event of the SEA Games track and field competition, the
marathon yesterday.
She complained the water stations placed en route weren’t visible and she had to run
with a parched throat for long distances.
“I saw the first water station only after eight kilometres. There were so many on the
road and they were all cheering Indonesia’s Ruwiyati. Once she took water from the
stations, people rushed in and didn’t allow me to have water,” said Sunisa.
“But I didn’t give up. I stuck behind the Indonesian, hoping to launch a late sprint.
But it was too hot and humid,” she said after finishing the distance in 2:48:27 behind
Ruwiyati.
The Indonesian who set the SEA Games record in Chiang Mai in 1995 also returned
a poor time. She was clocked in at 2:46:20, which was over 13 minutes off her Chiang
Mai record of 2:34:29, and that tells the story of this grueling event.
___________________________________________________________________________
*Bangkok Post
27
Sunisa was told by the Thai coaches, headed by Supanas Ariyamongkol, to stay
behind Ruwiyati, which she faithfully did for the first 10 kilometres. At one stage the Thai
was breathing down the neck of the Indonesian star, but thereafter the pace got hotter and
the Thai dropped behind, though she remained in second position.
Sunisa did well to beat another experienced marathon runner form Singapore, Liang
Toh So who stopped the clock at 2:53:22, while Indonesia’s second runner, Hilda
Napitupulu who was expected to slot into second place behind Ruwiyati, fell behind and
finished fourth.
The Indonesians completed the coveted double by winning the men’s marathon as
well.
A young runner Eduardus Nabunome, one of those handpicked and trained by the
famed German coach, Gunter Lange who has trained some of the world’s best long-distance
runners from China, ran a race of his own and made it a pillar to post win.
Exercise : The four winners in the women’s SEA Games Marathon at Indonesia were
as follows:-
The 1st winner (Gold Medal) : ………………………………………………………...
The 2nd winner (Silver Medal) : ………………………………………………………...
The 3rd winner (Bronze Medal) : ………………………………………………………...
The 4th winner : ………………………………………………………...
28
Topic 3 : SOCCER/54th Chula – Thammasat Traditional Match
Knowledge Sheet
Vocabularies and sentences that relate to football
football (footer) Football can be classified as:
1. association football – or sometimes called soccer
2. rugby football
3. American football
footballer a football player
midfield the players on a team who play in a central position between attack and defense
forward an attacking player in football
back a player in a defensive position
skipper, captain the leader of a team
goalkeeper, goalie a player whose special role is to stop the ball from entering the goal
substitute a player nominated as eligible to replace another after a match has begun
a draw finish (a contest or game) with an even score such as scoreless draw
to foul an unfair or invalid stroke or piece of play
to dribble take (the ball) forwards past opponents with slight touches of the feet or the
stick
to beat to defeat; for example, the Irish have not beaten their rivals since 1988.
a penalty a kick or shot awarded to a team because of an infringement of the rules by an
opponent; for example, the Irish scored a penalty try converted by David
Humphreys who struck two penalties and a drop goal.
a free kick an unimpeded kick of the stationary ball awarded to one side as a penalty for a
foul or infringement by the other side
29
: Read the following paragraphs “Soccer/54th Chula – Thammasat Traditional
Activity 13
Match. Do the exercise
Exercise : Find the words from the passages which have the same meanings as the following words.
1. football = ………………………………………………………………………….
2. happening = ………………………………………………………………………….
3. goalkeeper = ………………………………………………………………………….
4. game = ………………………………………………………………………….
*SOCCER/54th CHULA-THAMMASAT
TRADITIONAL MATCH
Rivals battle to another scoreless draw
Unlucky Chula fail
to find scoring touch
Tor Chittinand
Chulalongkorn and Thammasat universities battled to yet another draw in the 54 th
meeting of their
traditional soccer match at the National Stadium yesterday.
The 0-0 scoreline between the old rivals meant it was the 24th time the fixture has been drawn,
with Thammasat winning 20 and Chula 10.
Her Royal Highness Princess Bhajrakitiyabha, a freshman at Thammasat’s Faculty of Law,
joined the parade prior the match.
___________________________________________________________________________
*Bangkok Post
30
It was a closely fought affair although Chula held the upper hand throughout and had the
best chances, hitting the woodwork twice and missing a couple of golden chances.
The first half nearly got off to a shock start in the opening minute when the Chula
goalkeeper Yodchai Chaisuthimethikul dropped a harmless high ball but the Thammasat forwards
could not capitalise on the mistake.
Chula proceeded to have most of the territorial play, without really threatening, while
Thammasat looked dangerous on the breaks, mainly down the right wing.
However, despite promising approach work both sides were let down by woeful finishing
from their forwards and neither goal keeper was called upon to make a worthwhile save.
In a half marred by far too many fouls, Chula dominated more and more but still could not
make a break-through with their shooting way off target.
They were almost rewarded for their pressure just before half-time when a tremendous 35-
yard free kick by defender Sajja Siriket was brilliantly tipped onto the bar by the Thammasat keeper.
In the second half Chula continued to dominate proceedings but once again failed to find the
back of the net.
Perhaps the best opportunity of the game fell to Chula’s national forward Kiatisak
Senamuang when he was put through with only the goalkeeper to beat in the 53rd minute but his shot
hit the goalie and went for a corner.
Shortly after, another star player Surachai Jaturapattarapong missed a good opportunity
when he blasted the ball into the side netting from close range.
Chula’s best effort came with about seven minutes left when substitute Nawee
Hattakriengkrai let fly with a great left footer but the ball crashed against the upright.
The organizers said proceeds from the event of two million baht will be donated to the “Thai
Help Thai” campaign.
31
Activity 14 : Write T in front of the items that are correct and F in front of the items that
are incorrect.
……… 1. Chula and Thammasat have fought in the traditional football games for 55 times.
……… 2. Among those matches, Thammasat won 20 times.
……… 3. Kiatisak Senamuang played for Chula.
……… 4. Surachai Jaturapattarapong scored a goal in this match.
……… 5. The match finished with a scoreless draw.
Activity 15
Exercise : Read the following short passages. Answer the questions.
(1) EGYPT produced a stunning upset last night to upstage the Danes in the National Stadium
with a giant-killing 2-0 victory for a place in the King’s Cup final against South Korea on
Saturday.
(2) SOUTH KOREA scored a comfortable 2-0 win over Thailand at the National Stadium last
night to reach the final of the 29th King’s Cup soccer tournament final.
32
(3)
MIDFIELDER Andy Moeller and libero Matthias Sammer both scored twice as Germany took
a confident stride towards next year’s European championship finals with a 6-1 mauling of
How manyongoals
Moldova did Andy Moeller and Matthias Sammer score?
Sunday.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………….
……………………………………………………………………………………………....…….
(4)
ERIC Cantona could miss next weekend’s English premier league derby against Manchester
City after injuring his right knee in Saturday’s reserve match with Leeds.
Why could Eric Cantona miss the next weekend’s English premier against Manchester City?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………….
……………………………………………………………………………………………....…….
(5)
ITALY had stand-in goalkeeper Luca Bucci sent off after just nine minutes in their European
championship group four qualifier against Croatia on Sunday but held on for a 1-1 draw.
(6) TAB Ramos scored a goal and then made two others as the United States stormed back from
three goals down to score a 4-3 victory over Saudi Arabia in Sunday’s international football
friendly here.
33
Topic 4 : Shooting – Asian Championships and Other Games
Knowledge Sheet
Sports
Sports can be named differently. Certain types of sports have their own specific name; for examples,
soccer gymnastics
basketball archery
tennis etc.
while some types of sports can be seen in “Verb + ing” form; for example,
shooting cycling
wresting fencing
rowing
weight lifting etc.
We use “to play” as a verb with the first type of sports; for examples,
to play football to play tennis
For the second type, we use the verb form of that specific noun; for example,
to shoot (shooting) to cycle (cycling)
to wrest (wresting) to box (boxing)
34
Activity 16 : Read the following passages. Do the exercise.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
*Bangkok Post
35
Exercise I
A : Match the words in A with the meaning in B.
A B
36
*CYCLING
Italy’s Michele Bartoli won the 1997 World Cup when he finished fourth in the Tour of Lombardy,
ousting Denmark’s Rolf Sorensen from the top of the overall standings.
Bartoli had entered the final event of the series needing a top-five finish to overhaul the Dane,
who missed the 250-kilometre race from Varese to Bergamo owing to injury.
The Italian ignored several breaks from the peloton as it wound eastwards through the northern
Italian lake district over the tough Colle Brianza and Colle Valpiana climbs.
Thirty kilometres from the finish, Bartoli, sensing that Laurent Jalabert was the man in form,
stuck to the Frenchman’s wheel when he broke from the peloton.
Italy’s Paolo Lanfranchi and Francesco Casagrande went with them on the descent into Bergamo.
The pack failed to respond and the four riders opened up a minute’s lead, giving Bartoli the
space he needed to assure himself overall World Cup victory.
When the group approached the finish, the 27-year-old from Pisa left the other three riders to
contest the sprint while he free-wheeled home.
Jalabert won the sprint to claim his second victory in Italy in four days after his success in the
Milan-Turin race.
Lanfranchi pipped Casagrande for second, with the first three riders all clocking five hours, 48
minutes and 45 seconds – a record for theTour of Lombardy.
The result was a bitter blow for Sorensen, who has twice before finished third in the World Cup.
He built up a commanding lead in the rankings in the summer, but fell in a minor race just before
the Paris-Tours classic this month, injuring his hand.
____________________________________________________________________________________
*Bangkok Post
37
Exercise II
A : Match the words in A with the meanings in B.
A B
38
*SNOOKER / BONSON & HEDGES MASTERS
____________________________________________________________________________________
Ken Doherty of Ireland produced a workmanlike rather than spectacular performance to beat
*Bangkok Post 6-1 in the quarter-finals of the Benson & Hodges Masters at Wembley yesterday.
James Wattana
Even Doherty conceded, “that wasn’t pretty to watch, I had to grind out a result. But to beat
Exercise
James likeIIIthat considering the way he played against John Parrott in the previous round, has to be a
Agood: result.”
Match the words in A with the meanings in B.
Wattana will next play the Scottish Open at Aberdeen where he will face Wayne Brown or
Shokat Ali next
A Sunday for a place in the last 32. B
39
B : Answer the question.
*TENNIS
40
B : Answer the question.
41
Chapter 3
Amazing Thailand
Essence
It is essential for every Thais to read and deeply understand the articles or stories that relate to
Thai conservation tourism as well as history in order to publicize these information to foreigners.
1. Read and understand the content that relates to tourist attractions in Thailand, as well as able
to answer the associated questions.
2. Understand associated terminologies, idioms, and specific sentences and able to apply those
knowledge in making a conversation with foreigners.
3. Answer the question that relates to the article.
Scope of Content
42
Topic 1 : History of Thailand
*History
Archaeological discoveries around the northeast hamlet of Ban Chiang suggest that the world’s
oldest Bronze Age civilisation was flourishing in Thailand some 5,600 years ago.
Successive waves of immigrants, including Mons, Khmers and Thais, gradually entered the land
mass now known as Thailand, most slowly travelling along fertile river valleys from southern China.
By the 11th and 12th centuries, Khmers ruled much of the area from Angkor.
By the early 1200s, Thais had established small northern city states in Lanna, Phayao and
Sukhothai. In 1238, two Thai chieftains rebelled against Khmer suzerainty and established the first
truly independent Thai Kingdom in Sukhothai (literally, “Dawn of Happiness”).
Sukhothai saw the Thais’ gradual expansion throughout the entire Cho Phraya River basin, the
establishment of Theravada Buddhism as the paramount Thai religion, the creation of the Thai
alphabet and the first expression of nascent Thai art forms, including painting, sculpture, architecture
and literature.
Sukhothai declined during the 1300s and eventually became a vassal state of Ayutthaya,
a dynamic young kingdom further south in the Chao Phraya River valley. Founded in 1350, Ayutthaya
remained the Thai capital until 1767 when it was destroyed by Burmese invaders.
During Ayutthaya’s 417 years as the capital, under the rule of 33 kings, the Thais brought their
distinctive culture to full fruition, totally rid their lands of Khmer presence and fostered contact with
Arabian, Indian, Chinese, Japanese and European powers.
Ayutthaya’s destruction was as severe a blow to the Thais as the loss of Paris or London would
have been to the French or English. However, a Thai revival occurred within a few months and the
___________________________________________________________________________________
*Exotic THAILAND Travel Guide Tourism Authority of Thailand
43
Burmese were expelled by King Taksin who later made Thon Buri his capital. In 1782, the first king
of the present Chakri dynasty, Rama I, established his new capital on the site of a riverside hamlet
called Bangkok (Village of Wild Plums).
Two Chakri monarchs, Mongkut (Rama IV) who reigned between 1851 and 1868, and his son
Chulalongkorn (Rama V, 1868-1910) saved Thailand from western colonization through adroit
diplomacy and selective modernization.
Today, Thailand is a constitutional monarchy. Since 1932, Thai kings including the present
monarch, H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej have exercised their legislative powers through a national
assembly, their executive powers through a cabinet headed by prime minister, and their judicial
powers through the law courts.
A B
44
: Re-arrange the following sentences in correct order.
Activity 18
Write down letters (a, b, c,…) after numbers provided (1, 2, 3,…)
a. Thai had founded small northern city states in Lanna, Phayao and Sukhothai in 1200s.
b. Sukhothai became an independent state of Ayutthaya.
c. In 1238, Thai rebels against Khmers.
d. Ayutthaya was destroyed by the Burmese.
e. Groups of Mons, Khmers and Thais travelled along the river from southern China and settled in
the land under Khmer ruler.
f. Sukhothai became the first independent Thai Kingdom.
g. The first king of the present Chakri dynasty Rama 1, founded Bangkok.
h. King Taksin made Thon Buri his capital.
Activity 19 : Choose the words in brackets to fill in each blank to complete the sentence.
45
Topic 2 : Bangkok “City of Angels”
*BACKGROUND OF BANGKOK
Bangkok celebrated her bicentennial in
1982. The Thai people call their capital city
“KRUNGTHEP” since the day the city was
proclaimed the new capital of the Thais in 1782
by King Rama I, the founder of the capital and the
first King of the present Chakri Dynasty.
Bangkok was originally a hamlet 20 kilometers upstream from the mouth of the Chao Phya River,
Foreign trading vessels passed the hamlet on their regular runs upriver to the former capital of
Ayutthaya, about 80 kilometers to the north. The name of Bangkok has thus got stuck on international
navigation charts and become known the world over as the capital city of Thailand, notwithstanding the
official Thai name.
Determining to perpetuate the heritage of the Thai nation, King Rama I devoted himself to re-
create the splendor of Ayutthaya, the former capital, by scouring the country for master craftsmen to
rebuild the magnificent palaces and monasteries of the former capital in Bangkok. The royal dedication
paid off in the beautiful Thai architectures standing proudly in Bangkok in present days.
Taking over from Ayutthaya, Bangkok had entered into the international trading communities
since her early days. Thailand’s traditional trade had been formerly with China and expanded to
European countries and Japan as far back as the 15th century. Trade with the United States began
during the reign of King Rama III of Bangkok in the middle of the 18th century.
__________________________________________________________________________________
*Highlights of Thailand : Happy Touring with Thai Farmers Bank
46
Late in the 18th century, overseas trade had stepped up with various European trading partners.
A bustling European business community had grown up on the Chao Phya River south of Bangkok
near the wharves handing freight and goods from the trading vessels. Several stately 18th century
European style buildings still stand on the bank of the Chao Phya River today, among them is the
original Oriental Hotel, now acclaimed as the world’s best hotel for ten years’ running.
Waterways had been the main transportation routes in the old days. Since the construction of the
capital, a system of canals had been dug for the city transportation system as well as for defense.Pre-
W.W.I. visitors to Bangkok became to fascinated by Bangkok’s bustling canal traffic that they started
calling the city “Venice of the East.” Several of those canals have already been filled in the turned into
roads to serve Bangkok’s growing land traffic. However, in the old city area, the original canals,
which served as the city moats surrounding the inner city, are still preserved together with parts of the
city walls and forts.
BANGKOK TODAY
Physically, Bangkok is a spread out metropolis of glittering temples, high-rise building,
crowded streets, serene canals and beautiful river. In the new areas, large avenues lead through
towering office condos, colossus department stores, modern shopping malls, and posh restaurants. In
the old city section, the skyline proudly displays *the magnificent sparkling spires and gables of the
Grand Palace, the centuries old temples and stupas.
Since her establishment over 200 years ago, Bangkok has continuously been the seat of
government. Lately, she has become the hub of the country’s burgeoning industries. The metropolis,
with daytime population of over 5 million, has expanded to an extent that it would take a trip of 60
kilometers driving from one end of the city to the other.
Public transportation in Bangkok is by bus, taxi
regular four-wheel automobile, mostly with airconditioning;
and Bangkok’s own motor tricycle of “Tuk-Tuk”,
a colorful three-wheel vehicle with seat for two or three
passengers. However, as the Chao
48
Phya River flows through Bangkok, commuters and wise travelers take advantage of the uncongested
waterway by taking the river transportation. Regular
express river-buses speed through the 37 main boat-stops along the scenic route. These boat-stops are
within easy reaches of most of the city destinations.
Another popular river transportation that should be unique for foreign visitors is the “long-
tailed boat”, a sleek and graceful long-boat made of teak of other handsome hardwood, seating up to
20 passengers. The boat is powered by outboard motor made of converted old auto mobile engine
mounted on a swivel rack on the stern of the boat.
A long propeller shaft reaches out from the engine to the water and the boat is driven much the
same as an outboard motor. The long-tailed boats are everywhere on the Chao Phya River her canals,
sending up plumes of white sprays as they dash hither and thither, raising criss-cross patterns on the
brown water.
Bangkok’s Don Muang airport is centrally located for regional air traffics. Flying times from
Bangkok to Hong Kong, Singapore and Manila are between 90 to 150 minutes.
Bangkok, being the hub of airline communication of Asia, is a convenient stopover city for
travelers on business or pleasure. Businessmen on extended trips prefer to have a layover time in the
Thai capital, where they can enjoy cosmopolitan facilities, or spend a day or two at the many world-
famous Thai resort towns.
49
Knowledge Sheet
Abbreviation and meaning
H.M. the King - His Majesty the King
H.M. the Queen - Her Majesty the Queen
H.R.H. Prince Vachiralongkorn, The Crown - His Royal Highness Prince Vachiralongkorn
Prince
H.R.H. Princess Maha Chakri Sirinthorn - Her Royal Highness Prince Maha Chakri Sirithorn
The Chakri Dynasty - The current ruling royal house of Thailand
The Absolute Monarchy System - A monarchical form of government in which the
monarch exercises ultimate governing authority as
head of state and head of government
The Constitutional Monarchy System - A form of government in which a monarch acts as
head of state within the guidelines of a constitution
50
3. Determining to perpetuate the heritage of the Thai nation, ......................... . “to perpetuate” means
a. to destroy
b. to run a way
c. to preserve, caused to be remembered
4. Late in the 18th century, overseas trade had stepped up with ...................... . “overseas” means
a. foreign
b. on the seas
c. in the country
5. However, in the old city area, the original canals, which served as the city moats surrounding the
inner city, ............................. . “moats” is something like
a. canals
b. rivers
c. reads
6. Physically, Bangkok is a spread out metropolis of glittering temples, ..................... . “metropolis”
means
a. small town
b. train
c. capital
7. Bangkok, being the hub of airline communication of Asia, ....................... . “hub” means
a. head
b. center
c. last
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Activity 21 : Answer the questions.
52
6. What day is the “H.M. the King’s Coronation Day.” For how long has he been our beloved King?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
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Topic 3 : “Bridge Over the River Kwai”, KANCHANABURI
54
A motor trip from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi is now a comfortable one hour and a half’s drive,
over new dual highway. Entering to town of Kanchanaburi, the first outstanding building that catch
the visitors’s eyes will be the Tourism Authority of Thailand Office, on the right hand side of the
road, just before the first intersection. Here, information, sightseeing maps, accommodations at
jungle resorts, advices on excursion arrangements, etc., can be readily obtained.
These days, Kanchanaburi has several other attractions to offer her visitors on top of the
famous bridge and the war cemeteries. There are beautiful waterfalls, caves, interesting
archaeologic sites, exotic tropical jungle resorts and a fascinating variety of activities to fill up a
whole tour program, whether a one-day program of sightseeing; or a week’s stay in a jungle resort
deep in the wilderness.
During the construction of the ‘Death Railway’, a Dutch P.O.W dug up a piece of Neolithic
remains in a village called Ban Kao, on the bank of the Kwai River.
A Thai – Danish expedition retraced the discovery record after the war and unearthed a
number of specimens to confirm the Dutch P.O.W’s find as a Neolithic burial site. It was a major
historic find, and a small museum was built to exhibit some specimens at the Ban Kao site. In the
town, there is also an interesting W.W. II museum, showing actual photos, and illustrations of the
living conditions of the P.O.W.’s camp.
Two small rivers, Kwai Noi and Kwai Yai, flow down from the mountainous, jungle terrains
in the north of the province for a distance of over a hundred kilometers each, and meet just above
Kanchanaburi, forming the main Mae Klong River, which passes through the province down the
southwest plain to the sea.
The constructions of two all-season country-roads along the northern banks of these two rivers
have just been completed. The roads open up fertile land for farming, and also provide accesses to
many scenic natural spots. Many recreation facilities and activities have subsequently been
developed for the enjoyment of the newly – accessed jungle environments, Among the popular
recreation accommodations are raft houses on remote jungle river banks, or at isolated reservoir
locations reputed to be the country’s best fresh water fishing ground;or even an exotic jungle hotel
55
on the bank of Kwai Noi River, where many scenes from the famous movie ‘Deer Hunter’ were filmed.
A unique tour is rafting up or down stream on the wild waters of the two rivers, which
run through gorges, passing waterfalls. Sometime, while silently floating down stream, a tourists raft
may be rewarded by the sight of wild animals coming down to the water, looking may be at their
first sights of human beings.
A large portion of Kanchanaburi still lies in the jungle or rugged terrains that defy human
penetration. Thus, the leading souvenirs of Kanchanaburi still are jungle products and gems dug
from the Kanchanaburi mines. The gems—blue sapphires, topaz, etc. are mostly of excellent grade.
The better quality ones come with qualified assessor’s certificates. A Kanchanaburi source maintains
that court ladies and socialites from Bangkok are their regular customers.
56
: Complete the following sentences using the information from the article.
Activity 24
Activity 25 : Write about 8-10 sentences about “How to spend your holiday in Kanchanaburi”
..........................................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................................
57
Topic 4 : Sukhothai and Some Interesting Cities
58
BACKGROUND
The Thai race has been traced back 4,500 years to the Ulthai Mountain of present day
Mongolia. Gradually, the race migrated south. While some Thai tribes can still be found in North
India, Burma and Laos, the main stream had come down the Indochinese Peninsula. They formed a
growing settlement in the present north of Thailand sometime around the latter part of the 12th
century.
The area at that time was under the domination of the powerful Khmer empire. Thai freedom
fighters under two great leaders successfully drove off Khmer’s hold on the territory and Sukhothai,
the “Dawn of Happiness” was established as the first kingdom of the independent Thai nation in
1238. One of the two leaders then became the first king of Thailand with one royal title of Phor
Khun (King) Sri Intharathit.
His son, Phor Khun Ramkamhaeng, who ruled first him, was given the honorary distinction
“The Great” by historians for his illustrious reign. He invented the Thai alphabet, introduced the
free trade system, promulgated civil laws, personally dispensed justice, and promoted Buddhism.
Under him, Sukhothai blossomed into a fabulous city of grand palaces and magnificent temples.
59
B. *A World Famous Resort “PATTAYA”
60
By the time the Vietnam War was over, Pattaya had become known world-wide. Press stories
and words-of-mouth accounts spread the wonders of Pattaya around the world by visitors who
came, saw the were conquered by Pattaya’s natural beauty and vacation facilities.
Not long after the Vietnam War, regular vacationers from Europe and the United States began
to arrive. Pattaya’s resort facilities then rapidly developed from war-time establishments to
international class hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues, which can offer a good match for
any international resort in terms of amenities and services.
PHYSICAL PATTAYA
Pattaya Bay is divided in to northern, central and southern areas. The north adjoins the Naklua
Beach area, where the native Pattaya folks mostly have their homesteads. The Naklua beach is a
stretch of about three kilometers. Along Pattaya-Naklua Road, the tourist facilities, such as hotels
and restaurants are moderately priced. Northern and Central Pattaya are affluent country with large,
deluxe hotels standing side-by-side. Pattaya Beach Road runs one-way a kilometer along the open
beach front from Northern to Central Pattaya area and then enter the Southern Pattaya crowned fun
town, where the street’s name is changed appropriately into Sunset Avenue.
On the seafront, the central Pattaya beach is bordered by a promenade lined with shady trees.
Thatched mushroom shades are set up at intervals along the beach providing sun-shelter under
which rental desk-chairs are grouped.
Just south of Pattaya is Jomtien, another popular beach less than two kilometers away.
Jomtien is the windsurfing center of Thailand, for years producing surfing aces, who compete
regularly in international trials up to the previous Olympic Games. Jomtien used to be a deserted
bay area with palm lined beach some four kilometers long.
Now with the ambitious Eastern Seaboard Development Project putting up a deep-sea port
installation 20 kms. north of Pattaya, and petrochemical plants in nearby Rayong, the Pattaya
enclave is booming with modern new office buildings for development-related businesses and
luxury villas for their high-income workers. Jomtien Beach has become a growing community of
highrise condotels and residential estates.
61
C. *The Second Largest City in Thailand “CHIANG MAI”
62
In the countryside of Chiang Mai, several tribes of hill people lead comfortable existence on the
surrounding mountains. The tribes are, by nature, shy and clannish. Those living near town may have
taken up some of the more modern ways. However, most of the hill people prefer to settle in isolated
areas above 1,000 meters altitude, and cling to primitive customs and beliefs bordering on animism.
The hilltribes of Chiang Mai are mostly the Meo people. Their exotic ways and colorful dresses are also
main tourist attractions.
WAT PRATHAD DOI SUTHEP, PHUPING PALACE, AND MEO HILL TRIBE
A first for most sightseeing programs in Chiang Mai. Wat Prathad Doi Suthep, literally means
‘the monastery housing the Load Buddha’s relic”, situated atop Suthep Mountain Doi Suthep is some
seven kms. out of town, reached by Huay Keow Road. From the foothill up to the monastery, the road
winds upward for some 12 kms. through green jungle.
The mountain-top monastery is at an altitude of 1,080 meters above mean sea level. From the
entrance, a huge stairway with mythical naga balustrade leads 290 steps up to the monastery. Up on
top, a golden chedi, or stupa, shoots its dazzling spire up into thin air. The chedi contains a relic of the
Lord Buddha, which accounts for a monastery being the most sacred in Chiang Mai.
Inside the chapel, there are fine mural paintings, which depict the life of the Lord Buddha.
Outside, the paved clearing around the monastery offers excellent bird’s-eye view of Chiang Mai.
However, one of the impressive sights is the look of devotion on the faces of the local pilgrims, young
and old, who labor up the steep stairway to make their worship.
Four kms. further up the mountain road lies PHUPING PALACE, the official winter palace of the
Royal Fam. When the Royal Family is not in resident, the palace is open to the public. One of the most
beautiful flower gardens in the country, the multi-level palace ground is laid out in successive rows and
plots of beautiful flowers that appear to be constantly in full bloom.
The visitors’ path leads through the palatial garden right up to the garden walk of the royal
residence. Being high up on the mountain, in the cool season, parts of the ground are often covered by
low lying cloud, in floating masses of white mist.
63
D. *To Korat - The Gateway
NAKORN RATCHASIMA, better known by her
folk name as ‘Korat’, is the gateway to the
Northeastern region of Thailand, a land of ancient
civilizations, natural wonders and friendly people.
The land mass of the Northeast accounts for
one-third of the total area of the country. The
northern part of the region reaches up to the middle
of the Mekong River, sharing the international waterway with Laos, while the eastern shoulder
borders with Cambodia.
Artifacts from archaeological excavations established that a 5,000-6,000 years old civilization
used to flourish in the Northeast, in point of time well before the pyramids of Egypt were conceived.
Once under the domination of the more recent Ancient Khmer empire some 10 centuries ago, the
region is now strewn with ruins of their castles and holy temples.
*The Royal Thai Fine Arts Department, with the co-operation of many international
archaeological institutions, has finalized restoration work on many of the important ruins, such as
Korat’s Phimai Stone Castle, and the world-famous Phanom Rung Sanctuary in Buriram, an hour’s
drive from Korat. The Northeast has thus come to be the only area where magnificent, well-
preserved ruins of the fascinating ancient Khmer architecture can be viewed in comfort and safety
outside war-torn Cambodia.
Beside prehistoric artifacts and ancient architectures, the region has several natural attractions.
Many high jungles, with their refreshing wilderness and wildlife, have been strictly conserved as
national parks.
At present, the agricultural area is under intense development process to rectify the marginal
arable condition, characterized by dryness and infertile sandy soil. Produces of the land have
_______________________________________________________________________________
*Highlights of Thailand : Happy Touring with Thai Farmers Bank
64
short in feeding her 19 million inhabitants, or one-third of the Thai population. The abundant farm
productivity in other parts, however, has succeeded in keeping her North-easterners adequately fed.
In return, the Northeast provides the country with industrious, low-cost manpower to drive the
varios booming economic sectors-from fishing fleets to textile towns, from the rubber plantations
and tin mines of the South to the industrial hubs of the central region and beyond. It will be the
Northeasterners who will power Thailand’s surge ultimately to a NIC status.
The Northeasterners are basically a contented and peace-loving people. Stocky in built with
goodnatured facial features, the people are gregarious, pleasure-loving with their own delightful
way-of-life and customs, handicrafts, and cultural heritage.
TO KORAT - THE GATEWAY
Korat is the first Northeastern province en route from Bangkok at a road distance of 256 kms.
Korat town is the junction, where the railroad and highway from Bangkok meet the two pairs of
main regional railroads and highways - one pair runs Northeast to the Thai-Laos border, another
goes due east towards the Thai-Khmer frontier.
Korat township is credited with better accommodation, food and entertainment facilities than
most Northeastern cities. The city is therefore favored as a stop-over point for travelers with
business in the nearby provinces, including tourists who come for the natural and cultural attractions
of the city and the region.
65
E. Holidays in the Romantic Andaman Sea “PHUKET”
66
Recently completed is the new ring-road system which links together all the beautiful beaches of
Phuket. The drive winds along a scenic coastal route, a good part of the way along verdant cliffs
overlooking the Andaman Sea.
67
Exercise : Match the words in A with the meanings in B.
A B
Passage A
………. 1. to preserve a. made by man, not natural
………. 2. artificial b. to regard
………. 3. to pay respect to c. to protect
Passage B
………. 1. mere (adj.) a. mart, market
………. 2. affluent (adj.) b. only, simply
………. 3. bazaar (n.) c. abundant
Passage C
………. 1. artifact (n.) a. the work of putting old buildings into
the original state
………. 2. restoration (n.) b. living in groups
………. 3. gregarious (adj.) c. anything made by man
Passage
………. 1. to shroud a. neighborhood
………. 2. vicinity (n.) b. rural
………. 3. idyllic (adj.) c. to cover and hide
68
Activity 27 : Answer the questions.
Passage A
For how long had Sukhothai been the capital of Thailand before it moved to Ayutthaya?
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Passage B
How many areas is Pattaya divided? What are they?
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Passage C
What is the Phubing Palace? Where is it situated?
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Passage D
Why do we say “Korat is the junction”?
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Passage E
What is the size of Phuket? How far is it from Bangkok?
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
69
Activity 28 : Fill in each blank with the information from the passages you have read.
Passage A
City Name : Sukhothai
Thai Meaning : Dawn of Happiness
History : the first capital of the Thai nation
Distance from Bangkok : ..........................................................................................................................
Well-known as : ........................................................................................................................................
Annual Festival : .......................................................................................................................................
Two famous leaders in the past : ..............................................................................................................
Passage B
City Name : ……………………………………………………………………………………….……..
The world famous city as : ………………………………………………………………………………
Distance from Bangkok : ………………………………………………………………………………..
The status of Pattaya thirty years ago : ………………………………………………………………….
Event that changed the scene of Pattaya : ………………………………………………………………
Distance between Pattaya and Utapao : …………………………………………………………………
Passage C
City Name : ……………………………………………………………….……………………………..
Location : ………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Distance from Bangkok : ………………………………………………………………………………..
City Size : ……………………………………………………………………………………………….
Tourist Attractions : ……………………………………………………………………………….…….
Hill tribes : ………………………………………………………………………………………………
Average Temperature : ………………………………………………………………………………….
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Passage D
City Name : ………………………………………………………………………………………………
Folk Name : ………………………………………………………………………………………………
It is better known as : …………………………………………………………………………………….
Distance from Bangkok : …………………………………………………………………………………
Location : …………………………………………………………………………………………………
Tourist Attractions : ………………………………………………………………………………………
Natural Attractions : ………………………………………………………………………………………
The City is favored as : ……………………………………………………………………………………
Passage E
City Name : …………………………………………………………………………………….………….
Well-known as : ……………………………………………………………………………………………
Location : …………………………………………………………………………………………………..
City Size : …………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Distance from Bangkok : …………………………………………………………………………………..
Linked to Phang Nga by : …………………………………………………………………………………..
Major Beaches : …………………………………………………………………………………………….
Fastest Transportation from Bangkok : …………………………………………………………………
71
Chapter 4
Short Stories and Some Interesting Articles
Essence
Reading short passages written in both Thai and foreign languages will let the learner attains
knowledge with respect to tradition and concept of particular countries. Furthermore, the learner will also
learn certain vocabularies, idioms, and sentences which will help the reader to use English correctly and
modishly.
1. Able to read and understand Thai myths, as well as able to answer any questions relating to the
content.
2. Able to read and understand foreign novels, as well as able to answer any questions relating to
the content.
3. Able to read and understand interesting articles, as well as able to answer any questions
relating to the content.
4. Answer any questions relating to the content.
Scope of Contents
72
Topic 1 : *Tales and Stories From Thailand
73
Today we can see the cliff in Chiengmai Province in the district of Hod. One rock in the river
below the cliff is called Kang Og Ma, “the horse chest rock.” The smaller rock near it is call Kang
Og Ma Noi, “the little horse chest rock.”
Exercise : Read the sentences carefully and match the meaning with the word or phrase bold.
Mark in front of the letter that you choose.
1. The King was very angry because he wanted his daughter to marry a prince. He didn’t want her to
marry a common man.
a. an ordinary man
b. a man in the same rank
c. a man who likes the same thing as her
2. They decided to leave on New Year’s Eve, because they knew that everyone else would be busy
celebrating then.
a. 1st January
b. 2nd January
74
c. 31st December
3. That night they went to the palace stable to get a horse, but the doors were locked.
a. a field where horses are kept
b. a building where horses are lodged and fed
c. a farm where grass is kept for horses
4. Then they saw the spears of the King’s soldiers behind them.
a. weapons
b. hats
c. clothes
5. The young man tried to make the mare go forward over the cliff, but it was afraid.
a. deep and wide river
b. steep face of rock at the edge of the river
c. sands in the river
1. “The Lovers’ Cliff” is the story about the love between ............................................................................
....................................................................................................................................................................
2. The King was very angry because ............................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................................
3. The two lovers decided to run away on New Year’s Eve because ..........................................................
..................................................................................................................................................................
4. They were killed by ...................................................................................................................................
75
5. People named the cliff “...........................................” . which means “....................................................”,
One rock in the river below the cliff is called “.............................................................”, which means
“.................................................................”, The smaller rock near it is called “.....................................”,
which means “..........................................................................................”.
Activity 31 : Fill in each blank with a word given in the bracket. Some words can be used
more than once
(in, on, of, over, into, where, and, by, near)
“Pha Wing Chu” is the name ..........(1)......... a cliff ........(2).......... the Ping River ...........(3)..............
the district ..........(4)......... Hod. People have been told that it was the place ...........(5)............. a young man
............(6)............ a princess killed themselves ...........(7).............. jumping ..........(8)........... a houseback
..........(9)............ the cliff ..........(10)........... the River Ping.
A. TWO FLOWERS
Long ago two rich families lived in northeastern Thailand. Both wives of these families were
going to have babies. They hoped that one of the babies would be a boy, and that the other would be
a girl, and that they would marry when they grew up.
Before the babies were born, one wife visited the other wife. They talked for a while. Then the
first wife was angry, and she asked, “May I have one of your oranges?”
“They aren’t ripe yet,” said the second wife. “They aren’t good for you to eat.”
“But I like green oranges,” replied the first wife. “I won’t get sick.”
“No,” said the second wife, “I know you’ll get sick. I won’t give them to you.”
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The first wife was angry. She said , “You always think you know everything. I don’t want your
oranges. I’m going home and I’ll never come to your house again!”
The first woman had a baby boy. She named him Tao Kulu. The second wife had a baby girl.
She named her Nang Aua. The children never met because their families did not speak to each other.
The children grew up. Tao Kulu was a handsome man, and Nang Aua was a beautiful young
woman. One day they met at a festival and fell in love. Several days later Tao Kulu said to his mother
and father, “I want to marry Nang Aua. Please speak to her parents for me.”
Tao Kulu’s mother and father were angry. “No,” they said, “We will not speak to them.”
Nang Aua’s family said, “You must never see Tao Kulu again. We want you to marry another
man.”
Nang Aua’s parents were afraid that Nang Aua would run away with Tao Kulu. They began to
prepare for her wedding to another man.
Nang Aua thought, “I can’t marry another man. I love only Tao Kulu. If i must marry another
man. I’ll kill myself.”
On the day of the wedding, Nang Aua took her yellow scarf and hanged herself from the tree.
Tao Kulu heard that Nang Aua was died. He did not believe it, so he went to her home. When
he saw Nang Aua dead, he took his sword and killed himself.
The two families were very unhappy. They wanted to do something good for Tao Kulu and Nang
Aua, so they buried them together.
In the place where they buried the boy and girl, two white flowers grew. Today one of these
flowers is called Dok Nang Aua. People say that the yellow stem of this flower is the yellow scarf of
Nang Aua. The other flower is called Dok Kulu. It has a small stem in the middle. Some people say
that this is the sword Tao Kulu used to kill himself.
These two flowers always grow together. They grow during the rainy season in Ubol,
Udorn, Mahasarakham, and other provinces in northeastern Thailand. The smell of the flower is
especially lovely in the evening.
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Thai words referred in the topic
Tao Kulu
Nang Aua
Dok Nang Aua
Dok Kulu
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Activity 34 : Describe about the two flowers “Dok Nang Aua” and “Dok Kulu” by filling the
blanks with a word/words.
Dok Nang Aua and Dok Kulu always ..…..(1).… together. They grow during the …….(2)…….
Season in Ubon, Udorn, Mahasarakham and ………….(3)…………. in ………….(4)…………..
Thailand. They are ……….(5)………. flowers. People say that the yellow stem of this flower is the
…………..(6)…………. . And the small stem in the middle of Dok Kulu is the ………… (7)……….. .
The smell of these flowers is ……………..(8)…………………. .
B. MAHOSOTH
There was a time when the Lord Buddha was born as the son of the rich merchant named
Siriwathaka. For a long time before the birth, Siriwathaka had had a headache. He had tried every
medicine, but none had helped him. When then child was born, there was a medicinal stick in his hand.
Siriwathaka used the medicine, and his headache was cured. He names his son Mahosoth, which means
“the great medicine.”
Mahosoth grew up to be a wise man. When people had problems, they often went to him for help.
One day two women were arguing about a baby. “I am the baby’s mother,” said one woman.
“No!” argued the other. “The baby is mine!”
No one knew the true mother. Finally the people said, “Let’s ask Mahosoth’s house. Mahosoth
spoke quickly to them. “Be calm,” he said. “We will have a contest to tell us who the true mother is.
Put the baby between you. Now each of you pull the baby towards yourself.”
One woman pulled hard, but the other did not pull at all. She only cried. Mahosoth smiled at the
crying woman. “You must be the baby’s mother. You would not hurt your own child.”
The story of Mahosoth’s wisdom was told even at the palace of the king. When King Viteharaj
heard this story, he decided to test the wisdom of Mahosoth. He sent for the headman of Mahosoth’s
village. “I want the bulls in your village to have calves,”
79 he said.
The headman went at once to Mahosoth for advice. “What can we do?” he cried.
Mahosoth had an idea. The next say he sent a man to the king. The man was crying. “Please help
me,” he begged. “My father is going to have a baby, and I don’t know what to do.”
“That’s impossible!” exclaimed the king. “No man can have a baby.”
Then the man said to the king, “That’s correct, and in my village the bulls cannot have calves.”
The king knew that this was Mahosoth’s answer to the test, and he was pleased. He asked
Mahosoth to become one of the advisors.
King Viteharaj already had four advisors, and they were jealous of Mahosoth. They lied to the
king and said that Mahosoth was an evil man. Finally the king believed them and made Mahosoth
leave the city.
Some time later the king learned that his advisors had lied. He called Mahosoth and the advisors
to the palace. To the advisors he said, “ I know you have lies to me, so you must be killed.”
Mahosoth’s kindness was as great as his wisdom. He said, “Please forgive them. Let them live”
The king listened to Mahosoth and forgave the advisors.
For the rest of his life, Mahosoth continued to be kind and wise and helpful to other people, a
good example for all other people to follow.
Mahosoth
Siriwathaka
Lord Buddha
King Viteharaj
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Exercise : Find the contrast words of the following words.
1. foolish ≠ wise
2. push ≠ …………………..
3. loudly ≠ …………………..
4. good ≠ …………………..
5. possible ≠ …………………..
6. helpless ≠ …………………..
Activity 37 : In the story you have just read, there are 3 words which are names of the same
kind of animals. What are they? Read the passages below. Do the exercise.
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Activity 38 : Read the following passages. Do the exercise.
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When the other woodcutters saw Ta Ta’s fine logs, they were jealous of Ta Ta. They wanted to
take the logs to the king themselves. The men decided to steal the logs from Ta Ta. That night the
jealous men killed Ta Ta and threw his body into the river. The men began a float the logs down the
river, but one log would not move. It was the best log-the log from the takien tree. The woodcutters
tried to make it move, but they could not. Finally the log sank. It sank where Ta Ta had died.
Since then the people in Ta Ta’s village have often heard a woman crying at night. They say it
the spirit of the tree crying because Ta Ta is dead. Today the Thai people call his takien tree “sao
hai” which means the crying log, and the village where Ta Ta lived is also called Sao Hai.
A B
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Activity 39 : Answer the questions.
Activity 40 : Write about “Sao Hai” by filling each blank with a word/words.
Sao Hai
“Sao Hai” is a village in …….….(1)…………….. . “Sao Hai” means……..……(2)……………... .
People believe that it was the village where Ta Ta ……………………….(3)…………………………….. .
Ta Ta cut a takien tree for the king to ………………..(4)……………………… . He was killed while
floating …………………..(5)…………………… . The takien log ………..…….(6) …………..………. .
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It sank where …………..……….(7)………………………… . The spirit of the tree is crying because
……………….(8)………….. . So people call the village where Ta Ta lived “……............(9)…….…….”.
*5 minute FICTION
Samantha Benson’s 13th birthday was one she would
never forget. The day had started out in the same old
humdrum manner; her mother calling out, “Come on,
Sam, you’ll be late for school!”
Samantha, pulling the covers over her head, tried
to snatch a few more precious seconds in bed,
snuggling up against Lexi, the little ginger cat who
was curled into a ball next to her.
Lexi had been her birthday present the year before … When Samantha’s mother and father had
still been together, both waiting for her to come downstairs and open her presents.
But not this year.
This year everything would be separate. Separate presents. Separate time spent with each parent.
Separate love that she hadn’t yet managed to separate from the united family love she remembered so
wistfully.
“Sam!”
“Okay, okay.” Samantha pushed back the covers. She couldn’t seem to summon the enthusiasm
she knew she should be feeling on this momentous occasion.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
*Woman’s Day January 26, 1998
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Today she was 13. Her mother had finally given in and promised to buy her a make-up kit. It was
her first step to womanhood.
But all Samantha could think about was that it was her first birthday without both her parents.
They should be together, warming her heart as they always had with the loving smiles and secret
glances that they so often exchanged.
Why had it all gone so wrong? A stupid argument about her mother going back to work. And
then another stupid argument about her father refusing to resign from the police force when there were
less dangerous jobs he could do.
If only there was a way in which she could make them talk sensibly to one another again …
“Sam!”
“I’m coming.” Samantha hurriedly donned her school uniform. She had just had a brilliant idea.
If it worked, it would be the best birthday present ever. She raced down the stairs, and hurled herself
into her mother’s arms. “It’s a fantastic day, Mum!”
“For you maybe,” Trish Benson smiled indulgently. “Open your presents while you’re eating. I
have to leave for the office soon.”
Samantha swallowed some orange juice. “You’ll be here when I get home from school, won’t
you, Mum?”
Her mother frowned and said, “I thought you were having afternoon tea with your father.”
Samantha tore some wrapping off a present. “I forgot to tell you. Dad can’t make three o’clock,
so we’re having lunch instead.”
One tiny lie couldn’t hurt.
“Well, I-“
“Oh, wow! It’s the best make-up kit, Mum! Thanks! You will be here when I get home, won’t
you?”
“I guess so, since it’s your birthday.”
“Fantastic!”
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At just after three o’clock, Samantha climbed into the back seat of Daniel Benson’s car and learned
to kiss his cheek. “Hi, Dad!”
“Happy 13th birthday, sweetie.” He turned to look at her. “What are you doing there? Come
and sit by me.”
“I need to fossick in my schoolbag, Dad. It’s easier if it’s on the seat next to me.”
He shrugged. “Just be careful of my jacket, okay?”
Oh, yes. She’d be careful. It was his blue jacket that had lured her to the back seat. More
specifically, something in one of the pockets … yes!
“Can we go home first, Dad? I want to change out of school uniform.”
A few minutes later, the car rolled smoothly to a halt by her mother’s sedan. Just the way it
should be, thought Samantha with a little smile.
Daniel frowned. “I’ll wait here,” he said.
“No, come in, Dad. Please, I’ve got a present for you.”
“Oh, all right. But be quick, eh?”
Inside, the air was thick with tension. Samantha had to act fast!
“Mum, Dad … I’ve got a surprise present for you both. Stand close together and turn your
backs.”
For one awful moment she thought they’d refuse. They glared at each other, then Daniel
shrugged and stood beside Trish.
Samantha unzipped her bag. If this didn’t bring them together, nothing would. She walked up
behind her parents and in one swift movement fastened the bracelets on their wrists.
Daniel spun around the instant he heard the familiar click “Samantha Jane Benson, unlock
these hand cuffs right now!” he roared, but Samantha had moved quickly to the door.
“I’ll be back.”
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It was almost a plea for understanding in the face of her father’s anger and mother’s stunned
disbelief. And before she could do something stupid like change her mind, Samantha hastily
retreated …
Fear over what she had done prompted her to return earlier than she had planned. But she
needn’t have worried because, when she sneaked back inside the house, Samantha found her parents
locked in a loving embrace …
By Pam Robertson
© 1998 Pam Robertson
Exercise : Read the sentences carefully and match the meaning with the word or phrase
underlined. Mark in front of the letter that you choose.
1. Samantha Benson’s 13th birthday was one she would never forgot. The day had started out in the same
old humdrum manner: her mother calling out, “Come on, Sam, you’ll be late for school.”
a. excitement
b. without variety of change
c. unhappiness
2. She couldn’t seem to summon the enthusiasm she knew she should be feeling on this momentous
occasion.
a. temporary importance
b. of very great importance
c. endless happiness
3. “I’m coming.” Samantha hurriedly donned her school uniform.
a. took off
b. brought
c. put on
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: Answer the following questions.
Activity 42
2. What did she get for her birthday present last year? What does her mother promise to give her this
year?
............................................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................................
3. “She had just had a brilliant idea. If it worked, it would be the best birthday present ever.” What is
her “brilliant idea?”
............................................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................................
Activity 43 : Write 4-5 sentences about Samantha Benson. Use the given word/words in
the sentence.
Samantha Benson’s 13th birthday / / she / unhappy / her father / not stay with them / / she /
want / family / stay together / / when her father / come home with her / meet her mother / / she /
fasten the bracelets on their wrists / move out of the room / / she / / come back / she / see / her
parents / lock in a loving embrace / / .
....................................................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................................................
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....................................................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................................................
-B-
*SHAREaSECRET
His family shame
MY FATHER was killed when I was only two. It happened while he was overseas on a business trip.
The nature of my father’s professional meant that much of his work on these trips overseas was
“hands-on”.
It seemed clear that he died as a direct result of poor management and maintenance, but the firm
employing him did not agree.
My mother, who was already caring for her elderly father, now found himself with two young
children to support and no income or assistance from her husband’s company.
The insurance company told her that his life insurance would not be paid until fault was
established and his employer steadfastly refused to take blame. The firm even went as far as to use its
resources and lawyers to try intimidate my mother out of making a fuss.
I don’t really know what happened during the next few years. But I do know they were tough
and I know that, all alone, my mother battled against the might of lawyers, insurance companies and
internal investigation committees - and all this after having recently lost her husband.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
*Woman’s Day January 26, 1998
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I remember hearing her sob quietly at night. I remember her being very tense and jumpy
before she went out, yet again, all dressed up. Yet she never burdened my sister or me with it all.
Through all the years and all the stress, as my sister and I grew up, we never knew the
behind-the-scenes reasons for Mum’s anxiety.
Financially we struggled. We moved from a house to a flat to a caravan. But, slowly, Mum
was determined to work up back into a house. Then, she had some sort of windfall.
Suddenly we had a nice house again and a pet; my sister and I were able to buy tuck shop
lunches at school and drink real orange juice. Mum told us it was our father’s gift to us.
The years passed and my sister’s and my memories of those hard times faded. My mother
finally remarried and was happy again. But whenever we asked about our father’s death, she told
us where all the court files were held and that, if we wanted to, when we were old enough we
could go through them and find out what happened. But she herself was unable to talk about the
whole affair.
I had always been tempted to look at the documents. But I realised that even when I found
out what had happened, I’d have no-one to whom to talk about it, as neither my mother nor my
sister were prepared to discuss it. So, for years, I let it rest.
In time my sister and I both finished our university degrees. I went on to work and study
further, but my sister is a real homemaker at heart and soon found a man who appeared to love her
as much as my mother and I did.
As their wedding preparations were under way, I began to feel the absence of my father
more and more. So, in order to find out more about him, I decided to take a look at all those court
files.
I was deep into all the paperwork when I discovered something truly horrifying. My sister’s
fiancé, the man she loved and intended to marry, was the sole heir and executive of the company
that was responsibility and tried to intimidate my mother into dropping her claims for insurance
and damages.
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Of course, he hadn’t been personally involved in any of this, but his father certainly had
been.
Well, the wedding is coming up and, despite what I now know, I haven’t yet managed to find
a way to broach any of this with my mother, and she hasn’t let on to anyone what she knows. Now
I have this secret and don’t know if I should tell my sister.
A B
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Activity 45 : Re-arrange the following sentences into correct order which really
happened in the story you have just read.
a. The firm where my father worked did not give any support to our family.
b. My mother remarried.
c. My father died overseas when I was 2 years old.
d. My sister decided to marry a young man.
e. The insurance company did not pay for my father’s life insurance.
f. I wished my mother could share the secret of my sister’s fiancé’s family shame.
g. I found that my sister’s fiancé was the son of the company owner where my father worked.
h. My sister and I finished our university degrees.
Activity 46 : Fill in each space with a suitable word given in the bracket in order to make sense.
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Activity 47 : Read the following short story. Do the exercise.
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While l was there, I asked a police officer to type me a letter, proclaiming my innocence,
because I was worried the thief might still have my personal cards and do the same thing again.
The police gave me a note which said: “It appears that an unknown female has possession of
Patricia Doherty’s Medicare card, keycards and other forms of identification.”
“It was this woman and not Doherty who was charged with stealing at Tweed Heads on April
23. Patricia was not the woman in question and comparison fingerprints were taken.”
The police told me my “nightmare” was all over and they would clear up the matter with the
court.
Despite my niggling suspicions, I silently prayed that this would be the end of the matter. But
it’s wasn’t.
A few days later, another letter from the court arrived. I rang them, but was told that in their
eyes I was still guilty.
The police finally did contact the court, which has promised not to sent any more letter, but the
police still refuse to clear my record.
One officer said that because my cards are not recovered, my name must still be recorded as
one of the thief’s aliases, so my “criminal record” remains.
If I has done something wrong. I could understand it, but I’m innocent. I’m only 24 – I should
be enjoying life, but I don’t feel like doing anything while the police have my name on record.
My parents can’t believe what I’m going through. I’m terrified that there might be a stuff-up
and I’ll be arrested, handcuffed and put behind bars.
It sounds like a joke – and would be, if it weren’t so serious. I don’t know what this thief looks
like and I don’t care. But she must have been hungry to steal a tin of Spam and a meat tray.
I pray constantly for an end to this whole sorry saga. I just want to put it behind me and get on
with my life.
Story : Warren Gibbs
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Exercise : Match the words in A with the meanings in B.
A B
A B
1. I was terrified whenever …….. a. a woman got them, used my identity card.
2. I lost my wallet, my cards and ……… b. refused to clear my record.
3. I got a letter from a court …….. c. I heard a knock on the front door.
4. The police did contact the court but ….. d. my cards were not recovered.
5. My criminal would remain so long as …….. e. demanding that I pay $260.
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Activity 49 : Fill in each blank with a correct form of the word in brackets.
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Topic 3 : Some Interesting Articles
-A-
Activity 50 : Read the following story. Do the exercises.
HEALTH
*NGOs aim to revive traditional therapy
Interest in herbal
medicine increasing
Aphaluck Bhatiasevi
Nan
The knowledge and art of traditional therapy, once the main cure among Thais, may soon be lost
along with aging practitioners, it is feared.
To prevent that, local communities and NGOs in Nan recently joined forces to revive the
knowledge by encouraging traditional healers who have retired for 10-15 years to start practicing
herbal therapy again.
The Hak Muang Nan (Love Nan) Group, a network of local communities, religious institutions,
NGOs and academics, started getting involved in traditional medicine recently.
Phra Khru Pithak-nanthakun of Wat Aranyawat, who chairs the group, said traditional healing
used to be rejected by the authorities on grounds it lacked scientific evidence to prove its
effectiveness.
“Only recently has the interest in herbal medicine been revived, and this has led to the
beginning of our involvement in traditional medicine,” he said.
The group’s activities in traditional medicine cover three main areas – reviving the practice
among aged healers, conserving rare herbs, and reviving relevant knowledge.
___________________________________________________________________________________
*Bangkok Post
98
Samruay Padpol, deputy chairman of the group, said since traditional healers had stopped
practising for up to 15 years due to the increasing use of modern medicine, it was necessary to
encourage them to revive their old knowledge.
He pointed out it was difficult to conserve herbs because traditional healers, after years of
retirement, were finding it difficult to identify several species.
Low earnings from herbal therapy have also discouraged villagers from growing herbs, turning
instead to more profitable crops.
To increase herbal cultivation, the group has joined with local people to grow herbs in
community forests. Nan currently has 39 community forest plots on some 5,000 rai of land.
Mr. Samruay said the group had no intention to replace state authorities in forest administration;
all it wanted to do was to enable communities to take care of their natural resources.
He pointed out it was very difficult to revive the knowledge of traditional medicine because
information was either transferred verbally through generations or written in the ancient Lanna
language which few people could read.
“Those who could read these medical formulas have become very old and are now finding it
difficult just to see the texts,” he said.
Phra Khru Pithak-nanthakun said though the communities and state authorities had worked
closely together to revive herbal therapy, he hoped to see more recognition among younger
generations.
Sujinan Kwanthongma is one of the few young people interested in herbal medicine.
The 17 years, old girl has joined a group of about 80 other youngsters in Santisuk district to
learn more about traditional medicine in their spare time.
Anong Padpol, 27 , is another young hope for the Hak Muang Nan Group. Having a traditional
healer as her grandfather, she has been influenced by traditional ways of healing from childhood.
She said it has become more difficult to find medicinal plants these days due to the shrinking of
forest land.
99
Worse than that, she said, the number of old people who could read prescriptions traditionally
written on palm leaves was getting smaller and smaller.
“If we don’t begin lighting new candles, the old ones that have been in use for a long time will
soon fade away and we will have no light left,” she said.
Usually, when a traditional healer dies his personal belongings, including *palm-leaf books of
medicine, are burned along with his body.
Despite being a student of modern technology at Rajabhat Institute in Lampang, Santiphap
Poolsaeng, or “Moh (Doctor) Khaek”, has been practising traditional healing over the past few years.
Santiphap, 21, said he started getting interested in traditional medicine since childhood because
an elderly relative he was fond of was a traditional healer.
“I often spent my time at her place and listened to her stories. Initially, I didn’t know what herbs
she was referring to,” he said.
His growing interest encouraged him to begin treating neighbours, and as time went by more
and more people came to seek his help.
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Exercise : Match the words in A with the meanings in B.
A B
101
Activity 51 : Complete the sentences in A with a word/words in B.
A B
1. People start fearing that the knowledge a. encouraging traditional healers who have retired
and art of traditional therapy ……….. . for 15 years to start practicing again.
2. Local communities have tried to revive b. information was transferred verbally and written in
the knowledge by ………………. . the ancient Lanna language.
3. The Hak Muang Nan Group activities c, may soon be lost along with aging practitioners.
are ………………………. d. the forest land became smaller and smaller.
4. Mr. Samruay said it was very difficult to e. reviving the practice among aged healers,
revive the knowledge of traditional medicine conserving rare herbs, and reviving relevant
because ………………….. . knowledge.
5. Anong said it had become more difficult to
find medicinal plants because ………… .
Activity 52 :
What is your idea about Anong’s words, “If we don’t begin lighting new candles, the old ones
that have been in use for a long time will soon fade away and we will have no light left,”
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
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-B-
Activity 53 : Read the following article. Do the exercise.
104
- Garden Crops: There are two types of fruit trees. The first group includes perennial tree such
as “santol, jackfruit and mango.
The second group includes those that can bear fruit in 1-2 years, such as guava, banana and
custard apple, which are planted between main fruit crops. Flowers and other seasonal crops can also
be grown around the pond.
- After the harvest season, various kinds of dry season field crops such as peanuts, soy beans
and corn can be grown by using water from the pond if necessary. Fish are raised in the pond and
simple method of raising animals is promoted. Vetiver Grass is grown around the pond to prevent
erosion. Green manure is used to improve and nourish the soil.
About 1 rai of land is reserved for a residential area in which a small technical study center has
been built to provide information to visitors.
The second piece of land, which covers about 6 rai (0.96 ha), is used for traditional farming –
3 rai (0.48 ha) for rice farming and the other 3 for fruits and field crops. The objective of this
demonstration is to compare productivity from this area and that from the “New Theory”
demonstration area so that famers will observe tangible results and follow the good model to apply on
their own land.
The rest of the land (about 1 rai or 0.16 ha) is used for roads and tracks to bring produce to the
market.
If implementation of the “New Theory” is successful, it will be used as a pattern for villagers in
nearby areas to follow in starting similar projects on their own land. Consequently, people will be
able to generate more income all year round without having to migrate to the cities after harvest
season in order to work.
The project will provide a real solution to problem of insufficient water resources. It is a project
gives a new direction in the lives of farmers in the Northeast.
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Exercise : Match the words in A with the meanings in B.
A B
A B
1. The new theory “New Life in Korat” a. an insufficient supply of water for farming.
is ……..…… . b. Moo 14, Baan Chatmongkol, Tongchai Nua
2. The main problem for farming in rural sub-district, Pakthongchai District, Nakorn
areas is ………………. . Ratchasima Province.
3. The New Theory was first started in ………. . c. crumbly and sandy.
4. The project site is situated in ………….. . d. the problem of sufficient water resources.
5. The area is located ………………….. . e. a new way to help people making a living on
6. The soil is mostly …………………… . subsistence level
7. Soil conditions can be improved by ………. . f. outside of the irrigation network.
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8. The land for the “New Theory” should be g. using certain types of green manure.
divided …………………….. . h. Nakorn Ratchasima Province by H.M. the King on
9. There are two typed of rice planted, the first a piece of land donated by Mrs. Chanya Phandee.
is Na Prang, the other is ………………… . i. into two parts.
10. The “New Theory” will provide a real j. Na Pee.
solution to ………………….. .
Activity 55 : Write 5-10 sentences about “New Theory : New Life in Korat”. You may use
these given words / phrases / sentences in your writing.
- The northeastern region
- insufficient supply of water for farming
- people began to see new direction and hope in their lives
- Pakthongchai District, Korat
- a water pond – rice farming
- the harvest season
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
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Chapter 5
Writing
Essence
Writing is one of the most essential skills that show capabilities in using English effectively. The
learner should be educated correctly according to the learning procedure and recommended to practice
writing on a regular basis. Reading articles or contents that are written properly will help the learner to
arrange his or her own content.
Scope of Contents
Topic 1 : Composition
Topic 2 : Short Notes
Topic 3 : Invitation Notes
Topic 4 : Personal Letters
Topic 5 : Business Letters
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Topic 1 : Composition (of an essay)
Writing Assignment
A. Read the paragraph below. Write the form of the verb “TO BE” and the verb “TO HAVE” in the
blanks
Thai’s Flag
Every country …………… its own flag. Each flag …………… different colours and shapes
which …………… different meanings. We, Thai, call our flag “Trai Rong” “Trai” means “three”
“Rong” means “colour”. Our flag ………….. rectangular. There ………………. five horizontal
stripes which go across from one end to the other end of the flag. There …………….. three
different colours : two red stripes, two white stripes and one big blue stripe in the middle. The red
colour represents our nation. The white colour represents our religion and the blue colour
represents our beloved King who ………. always among our hearts, Thai people. Our flag
………….. raised in front of the schools and offices from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. everyday. We love and
admire our flag very much.
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B. Shi Li Min is a student from the People is Republic of China. He is going to write about his national flag.
Here are some information about China’s national flag which Shi Li Min can use is his writing.
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Topic 2 : Short Notes (writing a short note)
Writing Assignment
Read the following passages. Fill in the short note with the information from the passage.
Peter Corp Dyrendal, the hottest teen idol around, has no illusions about his debut hit album. “I know
my album isn’t perfect, but I can take the criticism,” he says firmly. “Constructive criticism, that is.
Without it, how can I expect to improve? it’s all a matter of attitude.”
The album, Hin Pha, Ka, Darb, may be topping the charts, but several pundits have dubbed Peter
a “one-album wonder”, crediting his meteoric rise to a combination of good looks and the Grammy PR
machine.
The 22-year-old superstar shrugs off the remarks. The son of a half-Danish/half-German father
and a Thai mother, he was born and raised in Denmark. He first got seriously involved in music
back in high school, playing the guitar in a band he formed with friends.
Three years ago, he moved to Thailand. “A friend of my cousin who is in a magazine business
invited me to come over and work as a model. I wasn’t planning on making a career out of it, but
before I knew what was happening, I was accepting offers from other publications.” His face breaks
into the grin that has won so many teenage hearts. “I guess there must be something about the way I look.”
Peter denies accusations that he has used his popularity as a model to spearhead his entry into the
music business. “I understand why people think that way, but it wasn’t like that at all,” he explains.
‘I’m a singer because I like music. Music has been part of my life for as long as I remember. But I
certainly didn’t come to Thailand with the intention of going into the entertainment business.”
He is still surprised at his good fortune. “When Grammy [Entertainment] approached me last
year about recording an album, I had my doubts. Then I thought, why not? Life’s all about change
and adapting to new situations.”
______________________________________________________________________________________
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*Bangkok Post
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Topic 3 : Invitations (Writing an invitation letter)
Accepting an invitation
Thank you for ……………………….
Thanks a lot for your invitation.
Thank you for the invitation.
It’s very kind of you to invite me.
I’d love to ………………….. .
I’d like very much to ……………………
I’d be happy to …………………………
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Declining an invitation
I’m sorry I can’t go. I have another engagement.
I’d like very much to go, but I have a class.
I wish I could go but I have to go to ……………………. .
I’m afraid I can’t go. I have an appointment.
Writing Assignment
A. Look at the invitation and the replies. Fill in the blanks using the correct phrases given.
Dear Mary,
Yours,
Wanida.
Dear Wanida,
……………………………………so much.
Yours,
Mary.
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Dear John,
Yours,
Pranee.
Dear Pranee,
Yours,
Invitation
Dear Peter,
the sixth of February, at 6 o’clock at night. We wish you could come and
join us.
Yours,
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(a) A Note of Acceptance
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Topic 4 : Personal Letter (Writing a personal letter)
Read a letter from Japan. Kyoko Okada, a Japanese girl writes a letter to her Thai friend, Salin
Chintana. Here is her letter.
1-12-410 Chitose cho,
Nishinomiya City,
Hyogo, Japan.
Dear Salin,
How are you? I haven’t written to you for quite a long time as I was busy
studying.
On the first Sunday of October, we are going to celebrate the “Japanese Rice
Harvest.” We are going to have a big festival at our local shrine on that day. There will
be many booths along the path to the shrine. People will buy food and cakes and enjoy
eating. At home, we’ll prepare our special dinner, generally “Sushi” is the main dish.
All our relatives will come together and celebrate the festival. The children will sing and
dance joyfully. We’ll have a very good time on this special day.
How about Thailand? Do you have any special and joyful festival like ours?
Yours sincerely,
Kyoko.
You are “Salin Chintana”. Write a letter to “Kyoko Okada”, telling her about “Songkran
Festival”. Use the information given below.
October 2, 1997.
Dear Kyoko,
Thank you very much for your letter. I enjoy reading about the “Japanese Rice
Thailand also has a mery and happy festival like Japan. It is the “Songkran
Festival”.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
…………………………………………………………….…………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………….…………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………….…………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………….…………………………………
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…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Yours sincerely,
Salin.
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Topic 5 : Business Letter (writing a business letter)
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Writing Assignment
You are the manager of the Emerald Hotel, Bangkok. You have received a room reservation. Write
a letter to confirm the reservation.
Read the letter of reservation then reply it.
The Manager,
Bangkok.
Dear Sir,
I should like to reserve a single room with both for our manager, Mr. Smith, for the
night of 10th and 11th May. If possible he would like a room on the second floor, with
balcony. He hopes to arrive at 7.30 p.m. and would like dinner.
I shall be glad if you will let me know whether you have a suitable room available
and how much the stay may cost.
I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Yours faithfully,
E. Browns
Miss E. Browns,
*the room rate for a single room is 1900 baht a night including V.A.T. and a service charge. Breakfast
is not included.
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The reply from the manager of the hotel
………………………………..
……………………………….
……………………………….
……………………………….
……………………………….
…………………………………….….
……………………………………….
……………………………………….
………………………………………..
…………………………..
(………………………....)
Manager.
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Answer keys for Pre & post-test
A. 1. d B. 1. b
2. f 2. c
3. k 3. b
4. h 4. a
5. a 5. c
6. c
7. e
8. b
9. g
10. i
Chapter 1
Activity 1 :
1. d 2. a 3. f 4. b
5. h 6. c 7. e 8. g
Activity 2 :
1. 1932 2. 1933 3. 1936, 1951, 1960, 1966 and 1977
4. 1992
Activity 3 :
1. 5.2
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2. It was 85.1 per cent.
3. No, it was not.
4. Yes, it was.
5. More than six years of age.
Activity 4 :
1. 459,497 2. 34 3. 21.78
4. 21.14 5. 912,775
Activity 5 :
1. a 2. c 3. b
Activity 6 :
1. T 2. F 3. T 4. F 5. T
Chapter 2
Activity 7 :
A. 1. b 2. d 3. c 4. a
B. a. A stem which is cut from a banana plant.
b. The winner is the one who can skip longest without tripping.
c. The mother snake is trying to run and weave to protect her children.
d. The team will race while hitting the edge of a circular bamboo hoop with a stick.
The winner is the team which finishes first without their hoop falling over.
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Activity 8 :
A. 1. b 2. d 3. e 4. c 5. a
B. a. the Ayutthaya period (1350-1767).
b. wrestle or bite.
c. shoes.
d. Bangkok’s Ratchadamneon Studium (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday) and Lumpini
Stadium (Tuesday, Friday and Saturday).
Activity 9 :
A. 1. d 2. c 3. a 4. i 5. h
6. e 7. b 8. g 9. f
B. a. It began since the 13th century.
b. Because it is recognized by the Thai Sports Association which has counted Kings among
participants.
c. No.
d. At the Pramane Ground.
e. Because it is the fighting between two types of kite, each six feet long. (It’s seven times the
length of its female opponent.)
Activity 10 :
1. c 2. e 3. a 4. f 5. b
6. d
Activity 11 :
1. in Ayutthaya on Feb 8, 98.
2. the Amateur Athletics Association of Thailand.
3. Hiromi Suzuki.
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4. Indonesia.
5. dethroning defending champion Portuguese Manuel Machado (at the Athen hosted World
Athletics Championships last August.)
Activity 12 :
Gold Medal : Ruwiyati
Silver Medal : Sunisa Pechpongprai
Bronze Medal : Liang Toh So
The 4th Winner : Hilda Napitupulu
Activity 13 :
1. soccer 2. event 3. goalie 4. match
Activity 14 :
1. F 2. T 3. T 4. F 5. T
Activity 15 :
(1) Egypt.
(2) None.
(3) Six.
(4) Because his right knee was injured.
(5) He was a stand-in goalkeeper.
(6) No.
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Activity 16 :
Exercise I
A. 1. c 2. a 3. b 4. d
B. 1. one gold (medal) and one silver (medal).
2. Melsitov Alexander, bronzes.
3. Ning Lijia, 1,256.6, South Korea Lee Eun-chul, 1,253.8.
4. 20 – 12 - six
Exercise II
A. 1. c 2. a 3. d 4. b
B. 1. Italy’s Michele Bartoli did.
2. Denmark’s Rolf Sorensen.
Exercise III
A. 1. c 2. a 3. b
B. He beat James Wattana 6-1 in the quarter finals.
Exercise IV
A. 1. b 2. c 3. a
B. Majoli won.
Pierce lost.
Chapter 3
Activity 17 :
1. c 2. e 3. a 4. j 5. g
6. b 7. d 8. i 9. f 10. h
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Activity 18 :
1. e 2. a 3. c 4. f 5. b
6. d 7. h 8. g
Activity 19 :
1. Thai alphabet
2. immigrants
3. hamlet
4. established
5. constitutional monarchy
Activity 20 :
1. b 2. a 3. c 4. a 5. a
6. c 7. b
Activity 21 :
1. It is called “Krungthep” in Thai. It means “City of Angels.”
2. Bangkok was established in 1782 by King Rama 1.
3. About 80 kilometers to the north.
4. Thailand’s traditional trade had been formerly with China and expanded to European countries
in the 15th century.
5. For the city transportation system as well as for defense.
6. It is on May 5. He has been the King for 50 years.
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Activity 23 :
1. c 2. i 3. a 4. d 5. k
6. e 7. f 8. b 9. j 10. g
11. h
Activity 24 :
1. car, one hour and a half’s drive.
2. “Bridge Over the River Kwai”.
3. the “ Allied Prisoners-of-War”.
4. wrote a novel called “Bridge Over the River Kwai”.
5. over 16,000 Allied Prisoners-Of-War and 49,000 impressed Asiatic laborers.
6. the main Mae Klong River.
7. rafting up or down stream on the wild waters the two reivers, Kwai Noi and Kwai Yai.
8. jungle products and gems dug from the Kanchanaburi mines.
Activity 25 :
Write the passage using information from the article “Bridge Over the River Kwai, Kanchanaburi”
Activity 26 :
Passage A 1. c 2. a 3. b
Passage B 1. b 2. c 3. a
Passage C 1. c 2. a 3. b
Passage D 1. c 2. a 3. b
Passage E 1. c 2. a 3. b
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Activity 27 :
Passage A Sukhothai had been the capital for 127 years before it moved to Ayutthaya.
Passage B Pattaya is divided into 3 areas. They are northern, central and southern areas.
Passage C It is the official winter palace of the Royal Family. It is situated on the mountain in
Chiang Mai1
Passage D Because Korat is the place where the railroad and the highway from Bangkok meet the two
pairs of main regional railroads and highways.
Passage E Phuket is of the same size as Singapore. The highway distance from Bangkok is 921
kilometres.
Activity 28 :
Write the passage using information from Passage A – E in Article 4.
Chapter 4
Activity 29 :
1. a 2. c 3. b 4. a 5. b
Activity 30 :
1. a princess and a young man.
2. he want his daughter to marry a prince.
3. they knew the everyone else would be busy celebrating then.
4. jumping over the cliff into the river.
5. “Paa Wing Chu”, “the place where the lovers jumped”, “Kang Og Ma”, “the horse chest rock”,
“Kang Og Ma Noi”, “the little horse chest rock”.
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Activity 31 :
1. of 2. near 3. in 4. of 5. where
6. and 7. by 8. on 9. over 10. into
Activity 32 :
1. handsome 2. festival 3. wedding 4. burry
Activity 33 :
1. It took place in the northeastern Thailand.
2. They quarreled over the green oranges.
3. Tao Kulu and Nang Aua.
4. They wanted to get married.
5. They killed themselves.
Activity 34 :
1. grow
2. rainy
3. other provinces
4. northeastern
5. white
6. yellow scarf of Nang Aua
7. sword Tao Kulu used to kill himself.
8. especially lovely in the evening.
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Activity 35 :
1. wise 2. pull 3. quietly
4. evil 5. impossible 6. helpful
Activity 36 :
1. a rich merchant named Siriwathaka.
2. the great medicine.
3. there was a medicinal stick in his hand when he was born.
4. wise man.
5. advisors.
Activity 37 :
1. a bull 2. a cow 3. a calf
Activity 38 :
1. b 2. d 3. a 4. c
Activity 39 :
1. Ta Ta lived in a small village in the province of Saraburi. He was a woodcutter.
2. He was asked to cut down trees to make logs for the king’s new palace.
3. A spirit lived in a takien tree.
4. He floated the logs along the river to the King.
5. The other woodcutters were jealous of Ta Ta and one killed him.
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Activity 40 :
1. Saraburi province.
2. “the crying log”.
3. lived.
4. build a new palace.
5. the logs down the river to the King.
6. did not move.
7. Ta Ta had died.
8. Ta Ta is dead.
9. “Sao Hai”.
-A-
Activity 41 :
1. b 2. b 3. C
Activity 42 :
1. She felt very dull because there was nothing new.
2. She got a cat, Lexi. Her mother promises to give her a make-up kit.
3. She could make her father come home and stay with them.
4. Yes, it did.
Activity 43 :
The learner may write a passage similar to the following article. He or she may add more details
according to the article read in the chapter.
Sumantha Benson’s 13th birthday was one she would never forget. She was (felt) unhappy because her
father did not stay with them. She wanted her family to stay together. When her father came home with her
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and met her mother. She fastened the bracelets on their wrists. She moved out of the room. When she came
back, she saw her parents being locked in a loving embrace.
-B-
Activity 44 :
1. b 2. d 3. f 4. a 5. j
6. h 7. c 8. e 9. g 10. i
Activity 45 :
1. c 2. e 3. a 4. b 5. h
6. d 7. g 8. f
Activity 46 :
1. shame 2. life insurance 3. fiancé
4. university degree 5. overseas
-C-
Activity 47 :
1. e 2. i 3. a 4. h 5. b
6. d 7. f 8. g 9. c
Activity 48 :
1. c 2. a 3. e 4. b 5. d
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Activity 49 :
1. hard 2. harden 3. short 4. shorten 5. light
6. lighten 7. straight 8. straighten 9. sharpen 10. sharp
-A-
Activity 50 :
1. c 2. e 3. a 4. f 5. b
6. g 7. d
Activity 51 :
1. c 2. a 3. e 4. b 5. d
Activity 52 :
Write a passage according to the learner’s personal opinion. The learner may use vocabularies and
ideas from the article read in the activity.
-B-
Activity 53 :
1. j 2. c 3. f 4. a 5. i
6. b 7. d 8. g 9. h 10. e
Activity 54 :
1. e 2. a 3. h 4. b 5. f
6. c 7. g 8. i 9. j 10. d
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Activity 55 :
Write a passage according to the guideline provided. The learner may use vocabularies from the
article read in the activity.
Chapter 5
The activity aims to let the learner practice writing according to the Guided Writing, so there will be
no answer key for this activity. The learner should let the teacher or expert check the writing.
Special Thanks
Some of the contents in this textbook are derived from the following papers:
1. Bangkok Post Newspaper
2. The Nation Newspaper
3. Journal: Asia week
4. Journal: Asia Magazine
5. Journal: Woman’s Today, Australia
6. Tourism Authority of Thailand “Exotic Thailand Travel Guide”
7. Supervisory Unit, Teacher Training Department, Ministry of Education “Tales And Stories From
Thailand”
8. “Kinnaree” Thai Airways International Domestic Inflight Magazine
9. “Sawasdee” Thai Airways International
10. Department of Non-Formal Education 1995 Ministry of Education of Thailand
11. The Chaipattana Foundation Journal Decembet 1997
12. Thai Farmers Bank, “Highlights of Thailand”
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